Title: Wolves Return to Hvaler, Killing Sheep and Causing Concern
Date: 19.06.2023
Updated: 19.06.2023
At Hvaler, a picturesque coastal area known for its natural beauty, residents and farmers are facing an unexpected challenge – the return of wolves. For the first time since 1941, a wolf has been spotted in the area, leaving locals shocked and concerned.
Mayor Mona Vauger (Ap) confirmed that the last time a wolf was seen in Hvaler, it arrived on the ice. However, this time, it is believed that the wolf swam to the island. The presence of the wolf was initially reported by Whales Budstikke, a local news outlet.
The wolf’s arrival has had devastating consequences for the local farming community. Thirteen sheep have been killed so far, and farmer and SP politician Hans Herman Utgård is missing two sheep and two lambs. Utgård discovered the first dead animals on Monday morning and has since spent hours gathering his herd of 185 animals, with the help of 40 volunteers.
The animals have been relocated to Utgård’s farm on Vesterøy, but the lack of grazing areas poses a challenge. The farmer, who has been raising sheep since the 1980s, now has to provide round bales as winter fodder for his animals.
On Monday, the Norwegian Nature Inspectorate (SNO) and the State Administrator visited the site to investigate the situation. They have also taken DNA samples from the killed animals to confirm the presence of a wolf. Zoologist Ida Glemminge, responsible for large carnivores in the State Nature Inspectorate, stated that they
What measures are being taken by the Norwegian Nature Inspectorate and the State Administrator to address the presence of wolves on Hvaler and protect the local farming community
Title: Wolves Return to Hvaler, Pose Threat to Local Farming Community
Date: 19.06.2023
Updated: 19.06.2023
Hvaler, a breathtaking coastal area famous for its natural beauty, is grappling with an unexpected challenge – the return of wolves. For the first time since 1941, a wolf has been sighted on the island, leaving residents and farmers deeply worried.
Mayor Mona Vauger (Ap) confirmed that in the past, wolves had arrived on Hvaler by crossing the ice. However, this recent sighting indicates that the wolf likely swam to the island. Local news outlet Whales Budstikke initially reported the presence of the wolf, adding to the shock and concern among the community.
Unfortunately, the reappearance of wolves has had dire consequences for the local farming community. Thirteen sheep have already been killed, and farmer and SP politician Hans Herman Utgård is missing two sheep and two lambs. Utgård, who discovered the first casualties on Monday morning, has since devoted hours to gathering his herd of 185 animals with the assistance of 40 volunteers.
Utgård has relocated his animals to his farm on Vesterøy, but the scarcity of grazing areas poses a significant challenge. As a sheep farmer with decades of experience, he now has to provide round bales of winter fodder to sustain his animals.
To address the situation, the Norwegian Nature Inspectorate (SNO) and the State Administrator visited the site on Monday for an investigation. DNA samples have been collected from the deceased animals to confirm the presence of a wolf. Ida Glemminge, a zoologist responsible for large carnivores in the State Nature Inspectorate, emphasized the importance of this confirmation.
The return of wolves to Hvaler has heightened concerns among residents and farmers regarding the safety of their livestock. Efforts to manage the situation and mitigate the impact on the local farming community are currently underway.
This is an intriguing sighting of a wolf in Hvaler after nearly 80 years of absence. While the reported sheep deaths are unfortunate, it’s a testament to the resilience of nature. Efforts should be made to protect both the local ecology and livelihoods impacted by this rare occurrence.
Wow, the return of wolves in Hvaler is both thrilling and concerning. The reported sheep deaths highlight the need for proper management and coexistence strategies to ensure the survival of both wolves and livestock.